"Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac customers will enjoy peace of mind knowing that Parallels keeps pace with and supports leading new technologies, such as the upcoming OS X Mavericks, Windows 8.1 and increasingly popular cloud services," said Parallels CEO Birger Steen.

The company launched Parallels Access for iPad a couple of days ago, which is an iPad app that offers features similar to those of Desktop 9. Parallels Access for iPad requires a £54.99 annual subscription for each iPad tablet. A six month free trial of Parallels Access for iPad is included with Parallels Desktop 9.

Existing Parallels Desktop users can upgrade from today, 29 August, to Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac at the Parallels website. New customers will be able to buy Parallels Desktop 9 at retail and online stores as well as at the Parallels website starting on 5 September.

Parallels Desktop 9 for Mac is priced at £64.95 and a student edition is available for £34.95. µ